Rachael F. Goldberg - Page 2

'tempered' isn’t going to cure or remove your rage – it will still be there. But there’s something freeing about leaning into it, about sharing it through music and poetry, that makes carrying it much more bearable.

With a thoughtful, open message and strong technical elements, 'The Gate' is a nuanced and beautiful examination not just of the conflict in the Middle East, but also at how people relate to one another in big and small ways.

'Shakespeare in Love' may appeal to fans of the movie, but its convoluted plot and awkward presentation make this production one that is unlikely to earn new admirers. It can make for a fun night out, but isn’t a production I’d actively recommend prioritizing over others.

'Fires in the Mirror: Crown Heights, Brooklyn and Other Identities' is an intense, but fascinating portrait of community and identity, with a powerhouse creative team on and off the stage.

Overall, 'Desdemona: A Play About a Handkerchief' is a lackluster production. With so many better and more thoughtful options out there, this production doesn’t meet the standard I’ve come to expect of the DC theater scene’s forays into the Bard.

While this production of 'Carmen' is very traditional on its face, the thoughtfulness and sheer talent packed into this performance elevates it to something far more engaging, and absolutely enchanting. It’s more than worthy of audiences’ time, and hopefully WNO’s fresh interpretation will help audiences reconsider the true tragedy presented.

While ostensibly about grief and how we see the world, 'The Upstairs Department' is really more about the central sibling relationship, about how two people can drift apart and find their way back to each other along their journeys to better understand themselves.

'The Parable of the Sower' might be a bit too on-the-nose for some viewers, but it's a beautifully produced performance that showcases phenomenal talents while drawing necessary attention to key issues.

There’s certainly something timely about 'We declare you a terrorist. . .' premiering now, as Russia, once again under Putin’s control, lays siege on neighboring Ukraine, but Lord’s script also makes it clear that the show’s relevance goes far beyond the current war.

'Nathan the Wise' handily lives up to the reputation of the two powerhouse theaters behind it. With a beautiful message, a solid cast and creative team, and a spirited atmosphere, 'Nathan the Wise' is one of those productions you want to cheer during the curtain call, then immediately go back and watch it again.

Washington National Opera's take on Mozart's 1790 rom-com, 'Cosí fan tutte' is a delightful escape.

'The Phlebotomist' is a fascinating look into how the world could be in the not-too-distant future, and it raises all the questions good science fiction can. 1st Stage’s production does the complex tale justice, and ensures that people will continue to ruminate on these topics for a long time – as we all should.

'La Casa de la Laguna' is a fascinating and thoughtful play, and carefully balances delicate conversations about statehood and independence, race, colonialism, and socio-economic status, and gender. The result is a deeply political and nuanced production that touches on issues that are as relevant today as they were in the mid-twentieth century.

'Compulsion or the House Behind' is a good show, with a strong creative team and an immensely talented cast, but it’s also a flawed one. With pacing issues and a shyness about fully facing the questions it raises, it’s often a frustrating production. But it’s a thought-provoking one for that same reason.

'White Noise' is the kind of theater that everyone hopes to experience – it grips each member of the cast and audience a bit differently, but no less fully. 'White Noise' isn’t a safe production, but it’s one that’s truly moving because of that. It’s a powerful experience, and absolutely one worth having.

'Flight' is an experience that will stay with viewers, as it should. It's an especially poignant production in the aftermath of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, though it's also a reminder that stories like Aryan and Kabir's existed long before, and will continue to exist long after the political and military dust have settled. But Studio's production is a beautiful, clever presentation of a heart wrenching story, and perfectly captures the love, hope, and loss that drives refugees - and all of us.

With questionable messaging, a pitchy ensemble, and an overall lackluster production, 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical' doesn’t quite feel like the best way to celebrate the holiday season, especially when there are other options available.

Theater J’s 'Tuesdays with Morrie' is a touching, emotional exploration of human connection. It’s an intimate portrait of a beautiful relationship between a man and his mentor in the face of tragic circumstances, but it’s also a greater insight into how we all relate to each other and ourselves.

Despite a solid slate of talent both on and off stage, Constellation Theatre Company's latest production just misses the mark.

Fans of the original staging of the 'Fall of the House of Usher' and theater-goers who enjoy productions with a bit of a spooky element for this time of year will likely enjoy the performance. But fans of Poe – the man, or just his other works – may need to temper their expectations.